N. Darfur civilians: ‘strange bombs, two dead’

Two children were killed in East Jebel Marra, North Darfur when the Sudanese air force bombed the area on Wednesday, 28 November, witnesses told Radio Dabanga. They added that the government dropped ‘strange bombs’ in the area for two consecutive days.   Both victims, Adam Issa and Mariam Mohamed were looking after their cattle when the bombs hit them on Wednesday, sources recounted.  Onlookers affirmed that Antonov and MiG airplanes belonging to the Sudanese air force were used during the attacks. In addition, 48 cattle were reportedly killed and farms were burned. According to local residents, the bombings were ‘violent’ and targeted the areas of Keira, Sabi and Tabaldiya Delmah. These villages are located about 15km west of Tabet, the main base of government troops and pro-government militias in the region.  ‘Strange bombs’ Onlookers told Radio Dabanga that ‘intensive bombings’ resumed on Thursday, killing another 72 cattle and burning more farms. The bombings used by the government were ‘strange’, according to witnesses, who affirmed never seeing them before.They explained that, after hitting the ground, these shells broke into seven pieces and destroyed large areas. Their smoke is causing vomiting, skin sensitivity and eye infections, residents told Radio Dabanga. On Thursday, victims pointed out, the government dropped a total of 13 bombs on the area. Sources claim the following villages were hit: Keira, (six bombs), Sabi (three bombs) and Tabaldiya Delmah (four bombs). Curfew At the same time, residents from Tabet informed Radio Dabanga that Sudanese Central Reserve Forces (known as Abu Tira) and pro-government militias recently imposed a curfew around the area. The curfew, which also includes Tabet’s surrounding villages, reportedly begins at 4pm and finishes the next morning, at 8am. A local witness stressed that these troops continue to carry out assaults in the area. They are accused of randomly shooting and threatening civilians, in addition to looting their properties and beating ‘anyone who crosses their way’.  Residents said that because of these events, they are forced to remain inside their homes. This prevents them from grazing their cattle, fetching water, shopping and harvesting their crops, they explained to Radio Dabanga.Radio Dabanga file photoSee also: Bombings in East Jebel Marra “highly toxic” (04 October 2012)